Dynamic simulation of Ammonia Concentration and Emission within swine barns: Part I. Model development

A process-based model is described that simulates the dynamic ammonia concentration in the room and in the slurry channel headspace of grower-finisher swine barns, as well as the ammonia emitted to the surrounding environment. The Ammonia Concentration and Emission Simulation (ACES) model includes mechanistic sub-models to describe the urination frequency and location, the ammonia emission from individual urine puddles, and the ammonia emission from slurry. Data were collected from two grower-finisher rooms to use as input data to the model and for calibration and validation purposes. The model allows for hourly simulations for up to a 3-day period from mechanically ventilated swine barns for a variety of housing configurations and production variables.